Carrie Bradshaw Lied

Navigating Black Friday Sales

1. Ray Ban Aviators 30% off in 10 colors – my staple

2. Tory Burch Satchel 30% off in 3 colors – have been lusting for this blush one

3. Joie Sandals 49% off in 3 colors – obsessed with these!

4. J.Crew Striped Turtleneck 30% off in 3 colors

5. Classic Plaid Pajamas 30% off, love these too and they’re 40% off!

6. Everyday Turtleneck 25% off in 6 colors

7. My FAVORITE designer denim 55% off and only $71!! Also have and love this pair.

8. Ann Taylor Fur Gloves 50% off in 2 colors – ordered, and done.

9. Cashmere Blend Sweater 47% off and under $70 in 12 colors – a STEAL!

10. Ann Taylor Fur Ear Muffs 50% off in 2 colors

*** THE BEST OF BLACK FRIDAY SALES ***

Amazon: 30% off select clothing, shoes, accessories, jewelry, and watches with code 30BLACKFRI

Ann Taylor: 50% off everything with code CELEBRATE

Anthropologie: 25% off everything through 11/30 with code SHOPTOIT

ASOS: 30% off everything with code BLESSED

Banana Republic: 40% off with code BRFRIENDS + 50% off sweaters

Barrington Gifts: 10% off site-wide with code SHOP10 through 12/30

Baublebar: Take 30% off everything with code THX

boohoo: 50% off everything

Chicwish: 20% off with code BLK20

DL1961: 30% everything with code DLBLACK

Dolce Vita: 20% off + free shipping with code BLACK20

Express: 50% off everything, ends today at NOON

Furbish Studio: 20% off site wide through 11/30 with code CYBER

Gap: 50-70% off everything with code GAPFRIDAY

Gorjana: 40% off select styles with code STUFFED

H&M: deals up to 60% off and prices as low as $4.99

J.Crew: 40% off select items, 30% off everything else

Kate Spade: surprise sale up to 75% off through 11/28

Kendra Scott: take 15% off everything until 11/30 with code SALE15

LOFT: 40% off everything through 11/30 with code BF40

Lulu & Georgia: 20% off $250+ (CODE GIVEME20) | 25% off $500+ (GIVEME25) | 30% off $1,000+ (GIVEME30)

Luisaviaroma: extra 20% off sale items with code BFR20

Macy’s: extra 25% off clearance Designer Handbags | 60% off select Women’s Coats
| 50% off Women’s Sweaters

Madewell: 25% off your entire purchase through 11/29 with code Calmdown (quite possibly the best promo code name ever)

Nasty Gal: take an extra 30% off, PLUS 30% off select styles through 11/29

Neimen Marcus: 20% off sale items for up to 50% off online

Nordstrom: Up to 60% off new sale styles

Old Navy: 60% off hundreds of styles, 50% off even more, 40% off everything else

Paige Denim: 20% off site wide (excludes sale items) with code CYBER20

River Island: 30% off everything with code BFRIDAY15 11/27 – 11/30 midnight

Rebecca Minkoff: 25% off all orders site-wide through 11/29, 70% off select styles

Revolve Clothing: 50% off 600+ dresses

Sam Edelman: 30% site wide with code SAMSGIVING

Sigma Beauty: 20% off site wide

Shopbop: spend $250+, get 15% off | spend $500+, get 20% off | spend $1000+, get 25% with promo code GOBIG15

Show Me Your Mumu: 40% off select styles with code 40FORMU

Topshop: up to 50% off select lines

Tory Burch: spend $250 and receive 30% off with code THANKS

Urban Outfitters: 30% off sale, 40% off sale for Urban On Members

Victoria’s Secret: buy one bra, get one 50% off with code DOUBLEUP

Wanderlust + Co: 30% off with code FRIDAY30

West Elm: 10% off when you spend $100 or more | 15% off when you spend $250 or more | 20% off when you spend $500 or more | 25% off when you spend $1000 or more with code MOREISMORE

World Market: 50% off toys, mugs, baskets, ornaments, bath items and more!

Happy hunting! Thanks so much for reading – XO –

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Thanksgiving SALES: Under $75 for Her

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Oh snap – if you haven’t seen it all over TV and social media, sales are-a-comin’ and there are so many great deals that are already underway! I want to share the sales that are currently ON, as well as some of my gifting picks for her under $75. AND I’ve added a new page in the navigation bar at the top of this page titled “Holiday Gifting,” so you guys can easily find all of these gift guides I’ll be putting together!

These pajamas come in four patterns and seriously? They’re adorable. This wine glass is my life motto, I have an identical scarf that I wear year-round and this eyeshadow palette is my go-to. I have these marquee letters and am obsessed, and this wishbone has been on my list for like… a year.

I was on the phone with my sister a few days ago (I swear, now that I’m no longer in an office I call her twice a day – sorry Sarah Thorne), and I was quizzing her for some gift guide inspo. A few great gift ideas you can’t buy online we thought of:

A donation to a charity or organization you’re passionate about (mine would be The Her Initiative!)
Fresh flowers – I love roses, hydrangeas and spider mums.
Baked goods or a special recipe – like FUDGE. Yes (insert praise hands).

So with that being said, I want to share some sales but truly – a gift from the heart is always the front runner! But for those of us stretched thin for time… the Internet isn’t a bad backup plan:

Amazon: 30% off select clothing, shoes, accessories, jewelry, and watches through 11/27 with code 30BLACKFRI

Ann Taylor: 50% off everything with code CELEBRATE

ASOS: up to 60% off with code BLESSED

Bag, Borrow or Steal: 30% off site wide with code BLACKFRI30

Banana Republic: 40% off with code BRFRIENDS + 50% off sweaters

Barrington Gifts: 10% off site-wide with code SHOP10 through 12/30

Baublebar: Take 30% off everything with code THX beginning at 5pM PST

boohoo: 50% off everything

DL1961: 30% everything with code DLBLACK

Express: 50% off everything

Gap: 50% off everything with code GAPFRIDAY

J.Crew: 30% off everything with code HOLIDAY

Kate Spade: surprise sale up to 75% off through 11/28

Kendra Scott: take 15% off everything until 11/30 with code SALE15

Lulu & Georgia: 20% off $250+ (CODE GIVEME20) | 25% off $500+ (GIVEME25) | 30% off $1,000+ (GIVEME30)

Luisaviaroma: extra 20% off sale items with code BFR20

Macy’s: extra 25% off clearance Designer Handbags | 60% off select Women’s Coats
| 50% off Women’s Sweaters

Madewell: 25% off your entire purchase through 11/29 with code Calmdown (quite possibly the best promo code name ever)

Nasty Gal: Blackout sale – 30% off favorited items

Neimen Marcus: 20% off sale items for up to 50% off online

Nine West: 50% off almost everything

Nordstrom: Up to 60% off new sale styles

Old Navy: 30% off everything, 40% off when you spend $100+ with code EARLYBIRD

Rebecca Minkoff: 25% off all orders site-wide through 11/29, 70% off select styles

Revolve: up to 50% off women’s dresses and men’s shirts

River Island: 30% off everything through 11/30 with code BFRIDAY15

Shopbop: spend $250+, get 15% off | spend $500+, get 20% off | spend $1000+, get 25% with promo code GOBIG15

Show Me Your Mumu: 40% off select styles with code 40FORMU

Topshop: up to 50% off select lines

True Religion: up to 40% off

Tory Burch: spend $250 and receive 30% off + FREE shipping with code THANKS

Urban Outfitters: 30% off sale, 40% off sale for Urban On Members

Victoria’s Secret: buy one bra, get one 50% off with code DOUBLEUP

Wanderlust + Co: 30% off with code FRIDAY30

West Elm: 10% off when you spend $100 or more | 15% off when you spend $250 or more | 20% off when you spend $500 or more | 25% off when you spend $1000 or more with code MOREISMORE

World Market: 50% off toys, mugs, baskets, ornaments, bath items and more!

Happy hunting! Thanks so much for reading – XO –

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Thanksgiving Day Outfit

I’m going to be honest, last year it was nearly 80 degrees in California on Thanksgiving Day. As much as that kind of broke my heart, I wore a sweater and boots anyway because I mean… it’s Thanksgiving.

This year it should be in the 50s and 60s which is much more realistic, but let’s be honest – it can still get pretty warm with too many cooks in the kitchen! So I like to dress in layers for holidays so I don’t have a heat flash over an oven (I know I’m not the only one). This sleeveless turtleneck is so comfortable and cute, and I love lightening up my wardrobe in the fall when I usually just want to turn to grays and blacks. And I’m all about white jeans in the fall + winter – love this pair!

photos by Jason Huang

Thanks so much for reading! I’d love to hear what you plan on wearing Thanksgiving Day and don’t forget to check out all the sales that are going on NOW in yesterday’s post! More steals, deals and gift guides coming this week and weekend – XO –

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Holiday Deals That Start NOW

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You guys know this week is a BIG week for scoring all kinds of deals on wish list items as well as gifts for all of special people in your squad, so I plan to give you guys the full scoop on sales, steals, deals and holiday gift guides to inspire you to get ahead of the game and get some of that holiday shopping out of the way (including gifts for yourself because hey – those can be necessary, #treatyoself).

Today I mixed a little of both shopping for yourself and shopping for others because I know I can’t be the only one who double shops… right?!

You can already get some great deals at:

Ann Taylor – 40% off all new styles through tomorrow with code GIVE40

ASOS – 60% off cold-weather items (need this fur scarf, this blanket scarf and this clutch)

BaubleBar – 30% off the Afterlight Collection + Gift sets with code EARLYBIRD

Bloomingdale’s – Up to 50% off select items AND $25 off every $200 you spend

Express – 50% off everything

H&M – 60% off select items

J.Crew – 30% off everything with code GETSHOPPING

Kate Spade NY – 25% off all capsule collection items with code RIGHTNOW

LOFT – $25 off dresses, skirts and sweaters and 50% off all sale items

NastyGal – 30% off select items

Nordstrom – all kinds of staple markdown items!

Shopbop – 15% off $250, 20% off $500, 25% off 1,000 (great time to snag that splurge piece!) with code GOBIG15 through 11/30

Tory Burch – spend $250 and receive 30% off + FREE shipping

World Market – 25% off ALL furniture

There are some great items already on sale, like these awesome flares, a neutral everything-fits bag that will go with everything and the boots that you’ll never take off.

Stay tuned for more sales and gift guides this week! XO –

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Let it Snow

On our last day in Big Bear, we decided to drive up the mountain to enjoy the snow and lo and behold, it started snowing! For these Mississippi turned California kids, it’s a special moment when you feel the snow falling (or rain these days – feel free to mail me some, kthanks), so whenever it happens I instantly revert to an eight-year-old. Tell me I’m not alone in this?

By this part of the trip, I had not realized how cold it would actually be, so having this fur vest was the perfect layering piece to create a totally different look. I wore this dress as a sweater over jeans and felt so warm while still put together. Never underestimate stepping out of the box to mix and match – the best way to maximize your wardrobe!

This isn’t the greatest photo of Bailey, but sister loves the snow. She just runs around like a bullet the whole time with a gigantic dog smile, and afterwards we realized it was the perfect way to tire her out before the windy drive home. Noted!

Thanks so much for reading, and check out the winner of the Pro Beauty Hair Tools giveaway here!

Stay tuned for some holiday gift guides this week and some killer Black Friday + Cyber Monday sales! XO –

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Party for Her

I shared about my trip this summer with Healing Waters International and The Her Initiative here, but earlier this week I hosted a Party for Her to share my experience and the cause with all of my girlfriends in Orange County. You can watch a short video of the trip I took here (and you can also get a super attractive behind-the-scenes of what I look like crying = bonus!).

I wanted to host the party before the holiday season really started up, because as I shared here, when I was younger, in addition to presents, my parents began giving each of us $100 to donate to a charity of our choice. We would select an organization in January and share with the family which one we chose. Over the years it has become so much fun to continue to learn about all of the organizations in place helping others – from books to animals, young artists, musicians, and health causes – there are so many great ways to give back.

In college I was Philanthropy Chairman of both my sorority and honor society, and worked to raise money to support shelters that housed young girls without a place to call home. Christian and I actually met while volunteering at a nursing home (are you rolling your eyes yet?). Needless to say, helping those in need and trying to treat others how I would want to be treated is something I will always fully support.

This year, I’ve chosen to take a larger role in The Her Initiative and have pledged $25 a month to give clean water to 25 women and children. This helps keep them healthy, teach them about properly washing their hands and preparing food and keeps children in school which gives them better education for a better future.

Think of what you spend $25 a month on – movies, happy hour, a manicure, takeout. Imagine if you didn’t have clean water to drink or give to your children? Instead you carry contaminated water from a creek everyday for your family?

During this season of giving, I’m challenging you guys to open your hearts to recognize how truly blessed we are. Give back. And maybe you can’t invest your time right now, but you’re willing to give money. If you feel called to help us help Her, commit to $25 a month or give a one-time donation here. Every bit helps.

I want to thank The Whimsy Cookie for donating these adorable Her cookies (and I will not confess how many I ate, they are addicting). Fun story – the owners of Whimsy are Collins Tuohy and Laurie Suriff from Memphis, Tennessee. Collins and I are friends from college and she is a part of the family that The Blind Side is based on. And yes – her family is absolutely as amazing as they are in the movie! Check out her adorable cookie company here and seriously – they were shipped across the country and were SO cute and delicious. When I was emailing with Collins about this cause, she replied with, “Whimsy is always excited about being able to make cookies for a good cause! Change sometimes happens in the smallest forms. If everyone would do a little something, even as simple as giving a sugar cookie away for a good cause, we could really make a positive movement in our country and others. We are excited to be a part of Her even if it is in the smallest of ways!” I mean… reason 800 why I love her.

Another big thank you to Always Lou Designs for providing the party decor and this perfect “So Thankful” sign. I can’t wait to re-use these decorations! You can get your own tassel garland, thankful sign, balloon and paper lanterns – and they have so many adorable party options.

And lastly thank you to Seven Daughters Wines for providing some of my favorite wine for all of the ladies. There was so much to cheer and I will never turn down their Pinot Noir.

Thanks so much for reading, and I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving week, full of family, friends, food and full hearts knowing how lucky we truly are. XO –

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Winter Whites

When it comes to dressing for the holidays, you can never go wrong with sequins (in my book). It was love at first sight when I first met this matte sequin pencil skirt, and it was the perfect piece for our anniversary date night in Big Bear over the weekend.

There was actually already a little snow in certain parts of town on Saturday, before a full snow-fest came on Sunday (so fun – photos coming soon!). So you know I had to take advantage of all forms of winter white! I don’t have our Christmas tree up yet… but only because I’m still practically arm wrestling Christian about it. He tells me Christmas is bulldozing his favorite holiday (Thanksgiving). I don’t disagree… but I mean, let’s be honest, I’m still ready to see a tree.

t + j Designs has so many adorable sequined pieces for the holidays – like this off the shoulder top and this white and silver sequin pencil skirt. SO if you’re in need of a little sparkle, this is the place to snag some!

Spill it – who has their Christmas decorations up already? Make me jealous!

Thank you so much to everyone who entered the recent giveaways on the blog. The winner of the Pro Beauty Tools giveaway will be announced Monday here, and the two winners of the Rebecca Minkoff bags are announced here. Thanks so much for reading! XO –

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Wednesday Wish List: Work Parties

A few weeks back you guys shared you would be interested in a little holiday work party inspiration, so I’ve been collecting some of my favorite dresses to share with you!

I think the biggest piece to consider is: how formal is your workplace? If you’re at a law firm or mega corporate office, you might be better suited for one of the bottom three options. If you’re in a casual workplace, one of the top three options might be a better fit for the office vibe.

And I mean, this plaid dress? Real cute. And you could edge it up later with a leather jacket and ankle booties (have this pair and LOVE them, so comfortable!). Love! I also added several additional dresses above that could be a great fit.

Thank you guys for the feedback and thank you always for reading – XO –

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Bedding Refresh

I remember when I first paid attention to bedding. I was about two years out of college and was traveling a lot for work. I was fortunate play Eloise in some pretty swanky hotels and the Ritz Carlton in New Orleans had the most amazing white, fluffy bedding. It was my stay there that made me want to completely revamp my bedroom!

Since then I have had white duvet covers (easy washing and bleaching is a bonus), and I love the feeling of waking up to a white, fluffy cloud. While my headboard is here to stay for the long-haul, I like mixing up the bedding and pillows. After a few years with our duvet cover (and a few too many pet snuggles on the bed), I thought it was time for refresh. I love the look of this Crane and Canopy set and how affordable it is!

Thanks so much for reading – and if you’ve done a bedroom refresh recently, I’d love to hear about it! XO –

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Styling Navy and Black

We had so much fun celebrating our second year anniversary last year in Big Bear that we chose to head back for our third year anniversary weekend! I had no idea it would be so much colder this time around and on Saturday we had a beautiful fall day, and on Sunday a snow storm. I will never stop appreciating that in three days we experienced the beach, a fall forest and winter wonderland. Mind trip!

I have started pairing navy and black together and love the easy contrast. This dress is so comfortable and I think it can be styled differently and pulled off year-round! Another item I can’t stop wearing are these delicate, so light you hardly feel them Barbela Designs diamond stud earrings. I’ve even slept in them several times with no discomfort whatsoever and I never sleep in jewelry. They are perfect for everyday!

We are thinking of heading back to the mountains Thanksgiving weekend – we’ve been to Big Bear and Mammoth, but if you guys have suggestions, I’d love to hear! Thanks so much for reading – XO –

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Friday’s Five

– a surprising flower color combination that I’m diggin’ –

– enjoying a slow morning of listening to podcasts and baking (cake stand available here) –

– this print that has brought the most peaceful, relaxing vibes to our living room –

– seeing these two snuggle on the couch –

– packing for a mountain getaway –

I have to take a minute to thank you guys from the very bottom of my heart for the outpouring of love, support and kindness about last Friday’s post. The last few years I have been hesitant to get too personal on this blog, choosing to protect myself from possible criticism. At the same time, I write on CBL as I would talk to a friend, and I wanted to be open about this new season of life. Thank you for sharing your own struggles and experiences with me and for having open hearts. Honestly I was blown away and moved to tears. Thank you, thank you, thank you – you guys have no idea how much you inspire me, and reading all of your comments was one of my favorite moments this blog has ever created.

Now that the gushy part is over with (whew!), let’s move on, shall we? I had heard this song before but didn’t really think twice about it. Somehow I ended up watching the video and now I am playing it constantly. I am thisclose to taking a boombox out to the middle of the street and dancing. A confident self-love anthem? If I didn’t love myself so much I would want to be Hailee Steinfeld (that was a joke… get it?).

I’m going to be sharing more soon, but this print from Minted has really transformed our living room. We chose it because we really wanted a piece to remind us of our time here in California, and it reminded us of the rocky coast on PCH in central coast (our favorite part of the state). I love the relaxing ambiance it created. I rearranged some throw pillows, and now we have a refreshed space that I am so excited to snuggle up in. Minted has so many amazing prints from artists all over the world, I sorted through all of them to narrow down to 19 and then had to eliminate from there!

We are heading to the mountains with Bailey for an anniversary getaway. It’s supposed to get down to 19 degrees… so that’s going to be new for us, but I am so excited to tuck away in one of our favorite weekend spots with a tall glass of pinot. What are you guys doing this weekend? And who’s got their holiday decorations up because I’m definitely ready to get started. Thanks so much for reading – XO –

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Zucchini Pasta

When I was younger, pasta was always my favorite dish. I can remember asking my mom for pasta and she would cook a basic spaghetti noodle + garlic + olive oil + Parmesan combo that was and still is killer in it’s simplicity and deliciousness. SO, the craze of the zucchini noodle was not lost on me!

I bought a handheld spiralizer this summer and have loved making healthy, fresh and easy weeknight dinners, and this recipe is a vegetarian keeper. I’m so grateful Christian loves garlic and tomatoes as much as I do (being part Lebanese, we didn’t take garlic lightly), because I find a way to put the two in almost all of our dinners. Love it, can’t live without it.

Do any of you have favorite zoodle recipes? My friend Nikki of My Style Diaries recommend I start following Inspiralized and I mean… the possibilities are endless.

If you’re not a zucchini lover, I also made this vegetarian pasta Sunday night with linguine and It. Was. Phenom. Seriously so good both hot and cold. And don’t forget there are still a few more days to enter to win one of two Rebecca Minkoff bags here AND the hair tools giveaway here! XO –